Health | Sweet Escape - a push against Diabetes

Diabetes, an auto immune disorder that increases a patient's blood glucose level, has been the most prevalent disease for many years. As per World Health Organization records, Diabetes accounted fro an estimated 1.6 million deaths in 2015. Wow what a gruesome figure.

Right after the Ribbon Cutting with Dr. Litonjua (second from right).

In the Philippines, it has been estimated that there are 7.3 million Filipinos are afflicted with Diabetes. The figure is steadily rising so Friendly Alliances and Media Expressions (FAME), publisher of DiabetEASE Magazine, has been preparing a yearly advocacy event entitled "Sweet Escape". This year, the event was held at Starmall Alabang and has brought in the country's top doctors and experts on Diabetes.

Dr. Augusto Litonjua delivering the opening speech.

Headed by Top endocrinologists, Dr. Augusto Litonjua, Father of Philippine Endocrinology and Dr. Joy Arabelle C. Fontanilla, Head of Center for Weight Intervention and Nutrition Services (WINS) at the St. Luke's Medical Center - Global City. They gave a short talk on what Diabetes is and have shown ways how to combat it. Helping them explain is Dr. Pepito Dela Pena, President of the Philippine Society of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism (PSEDM).

People were given free glucose level testing.

The whole day event consists of product highlights from its event partners, forums, raffles and booth exhibitions. What makes the event more memorable is the dance competition that reminds the public that a healthy lifestyle is needed to arrest the growth of Diabetes. Not only diet, we also have to avoid a sedentary lifestyle thus we were offered the dance competition.

The 2016 winners of Hataw Centro Escolar University.

This competition is called "Hataw na: Hataw Galaw Sayaw sa Kalusugan" and has brought in great dance groups from universities and colleges around. Showcasing their talents are from the Asiatech College, Dr. Yanga's Colleges, Far Eastern University, Malayan Colleges of Laguna, Sumulong Colleges of Arts and Sciences, ICCT Cainta, AMA Computer College Makati, and the defending champions CEU Street Squad (Centro Escolar University).

In between speeches.

The Sweet Escape was a success with the cooperation of the Philippine Center for Diabetes Education Foundation (PCDEF) and Philippine Society of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism (PSEDM).

Sleep well tablets.

Special thanks to Starmall Alabang, City Government of Muntinlupa, PhilHealth, Diabetes Store, HealthFirst Clinic, Colbridge, Herbalife Nutrition, Omizu, Lighwater, Musli Biscuits, Monea Salon Professional Series, Philippine Karate-do League, Creative Baker, Enchanted Kingdom, Cafe France, C-Lium Fibre, Cocoline Naturals and Coco Natura for supporting Sweet Escape.